2023
Summary Report from 3GPP plenaries #103 (Maastricht, the Netherlands, 18 - 21 March 2024)
Hans van der Veen, NEC Laboratories Europe GmbH
Since there was a large time overlap between RAN and SA, this report covers the status in RAN from full first-hand participation, but also a significant amount of information from SA based on part-time participation and reviewing the draft SA report.
This was Hans' 100th consecutive attendance of 3GPP plenary meetings :-) (starting from #4; missing only plenaries#1, #2 & #3)
Rel-18
- For Rel-18, RAN core work exceptions remaining are for NR NTN and RAN4 core work. For Stage 3, CT approved 15 exceptions and SA approved 7 SA4 exceptions.
Rel-19
- For Rel-19, a RAN4 work package was approved. SA approved a large number of new WIs and SIs and an SA1 exception.
6G
- For 6G, additional timeline decisions were made.
Rel-18
Rel-18 Planning and progress (Second exceptions for NR NTN and RAN4 core work; Stage 3 frozen with CT & SA4 exceptions)
Stage 1: frozen December 2021 without exceptions
RAN1/2/3 work package: approved December 2021
RAN4 work package: approved March 2022
Stage 2: frozen June 2023 without exceptions
SA3: frozen September 2023
RAN1: frozen September 2023
RAN2/3/4 core functionality: frozen December 2023 with exceptions; (remaining in March 2024: NR NTN, RAN4 core work)
Stage 3: frozen March 2024 with 15 CT and 7 SA4 exceptions (iRTCW, IBACS, SR_MSE, ATIAS, IVAS_Codec, ISAR, 5GMS_Pro_Ph2)
ASN.1 and open APIs: freezing target June 2024
RAN4: freezing target June 2024
Closed Rel-18 Work Items and Study Items (excluding spectrum-related and conformance testing)
Rel-18 NR
- SI: Study on 6 GHz for LTE and NR in Licensed and Unlicensed Operations
- Core: Expanded and improved NR positioning
- Core: Further NR mobility enhancements
- Perf.: Air-to-ground network for NR
Rel-18 RAN Work Item Summaries (descriptions of features in the release after the work has actually finished)
RAN
- RP-240303 Expanded and Improved NR positioning
- RP-240444 Further NR mobility enhancements
- RP-240138 Enhancement of UE TRP and TRS requirements and test methodologies for FR1 (NR SA and EN-DC)
- RP-240100 Support of intra-band non-collocated EN-DC NR-CA deployment
- RP-240306 4Rx handheld UE low NR bands (<1GHz) and/or 3Tx for NR inter-band UL Carrier Aggregation and EN-DC
- RP-240077 High Power UE (Power Class 2) for LTE FDD Band 14
SA (see https://www.3gpp.org/FTP/tsg_sa/TSG_SA/TSGS_103_Maastricht_2024-03/Docs)
- SP-240069 Self-Configuration of RAN network entities
- SP-240070 Guidelines for Extra-territorial 5G Systems
- SP-240071 Additional NRM features phase 2
- SP-240072 5G Real-time Media Transport Protocol Configurations (5G_RTP)
- SP-240074 B2B Charging
- SP-240075 TSN Charging
- SP-240142 Service based management architecture
- SP-240189 IETF DTLS protocol profile for AKMA and GBA
- SP-240203 Management Data Analytics (MDA) phase 2
- SP-240204 AI/ML management
- SP-240206 AIMLsys
- SP-240207 AIMLsysNEF_CH
- SP-240209 Media Capabilities for Augmented Reality
- SP-240218 Multiparty Real-Time Text (MP_RTT)
- SP-240219 Management Aspects related to NWDAF
- SP-240247 Access Control for Management Services
- SP-240249 Management aspects of 5G system supporting satellite backhaul
- SP-240283 Management of cloud-native Virtualized Network Functions
- SP-240285 Management aspects of NTN
- SP-240286 Management of Trace/MDT phase 2
- SP-240289 NR RedCap UE with long eDRX for RRC_INACTIVE state
- SP-240323 Charging Aspects of Network Slicing Phase 2
- SP-240324 Charging Aspects of NSSAA
- SP-240326 Smart Energy and Infrastructure
- SP-240327 5G performance measurements and KPIs phase 3
- SP-240328 TEI18_MBS4V2X
- SP-240333 Charging Aspects of IMS Data Channel
- SP-240334 Charging Aspects for Enhanced Support of Non-Public Networks
- SP-240336 Charging Aspects for SMF and MB-SMF to Support 5G Multicast-broadcast Services
- SP-240337 RNAA
- SP-240378 5G System Enabler for Service Function Chaining
- SP-240380 Network and Service Operations for Energy Utilities
- SP-240381 Enhanced support of Non-Public Networks Phase 2
- SP-240382 Wireless and Wireline Convergence Phase 2
- SP-240383 Secondary DN Authentication and authorization in EPC IWK cases
- SP-240387 5G_ProSe_Ph2
- SP-240389 5G_eLCS_Ph3
- SP-240390 Charging enhancement for Network Slice based wholesale in roaming
- SP-240392 Signal level Enhanced Network Selection - SENSE
- SP-240400 Charging aspects of Satellite Access in 5GS
- SP-240401 Charging aspects of Satellite Backhaul in 5GS
- SP-240402 5GSAT_Ph2, SA part
- SP-240413 CHF Distributed Availability
- SP-240415 Security Aspects of the 5G Service Based Architecture Phase 2
- SP-240423 Management Aspect of 5GLAN
- SP-240428 5G-Advanced media PROfiles for MessagIng SErvices (PROMISE)
- SP-240468 Enhancement of 5G UE Policy
Rel-18 Exceptions (RAN1/2/3 Core part; second exception)
Rel-18 NR
- RP-240142 NR NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) enhancements
Rel-18 Exceptions (RAN4 Core part; second exception)
Rel-18 NR
- RP-240483 Dual Connectivity (DC) of 1 band LTE (1DL/1UL) and 1 NR band (1DL/1UL)
- RP-240416 Dual Connectivity (DC) of 2 bands LTE inter-band CA (2DL/1UL) and 1 NR band (1DL/1UL)
- RP-240383 Dual Connectivity (DC) of x bands (x=3,4,5) LTE inter-band CA (xDL/1UL) and 1 NR band (1DL/1UL)
- RP-240326 Dual Connectivity (DC) of x bands (x=1,2,3,4) LTE inter-band CA (xDL/1UL) and 2 bands NR inter-band CA (2DL/1UL)
- RP-240249 Dual Connectivity (DC) of x bands (x=1,2,3) LTE inter-band CA (xDL/1UL) and y bands (3<=y<=5 and x+y <= 6) NR inter-band CA (yDL/1UL)
- RP-240375 Dual Connectivity (DC) of x LTE bands and y NR bands with z bands DL and 3 bands UL (x=1, 2, 3, 4; y=1, 2; 3<=z<=6))
- RP-240239 NR intra band Carrier Aggregation for xCC DL/yCC UL including contiguous and non-contiguous spectrum (x>=y)
- RP-240246 NR Inter-band Carrier Aggregation/Dual Connectivity for 2 bands DL with x bands UL (x=1,2)
- RP-240168 NR Inter-band Carrier Aggregation/Dual Connectivity for 3 bands DL with x bands UL (x=1,2)
- RP-240504 NR inter-band Carrier Aggregation/Dual Connectivity for y bands DL (y=4, 5, 6) with x bands UL (x=1, 2)
- RP-240419 Band combinations for SA NR supplementary uplink (SUL), NSA NR SUL, NSA NR SUL with UL sharing from the UE perspective (ULSUP)
- RP-240363 High-power UE operation for fixed-wireless/vehicle-mounted use cases in LTE bands and NR bands
- RP-240121 High power UE (power class 2) for NR FR1 FDD single band
- RP-240427 High power UE (power class 1.5 or 2) for intra-band Carrier Aggregation combinations of a single NR FR1 TDD band
- RP-240242 High power UE (power class m with 1<m<3) for a single FR1 band in UL of Dual Connectivity (DC) combinations of x bands (x=1,2,3, 4 for y=1 or x=1, 2 for y=2) LTE inter-band CA (xDL/1UL) and y bands NR inter-band CA (yDL/1UL)
- RP-240357 High power UE (power class 1,5 and 2) for a single FR1 NR TDD band in UL of NR inter-band CA/DC combinations with/without NR SUL (supplementary uplink) with y bands downlink (y=2,3,4,5,6) and x bands uplink (x=1,2)
- RP-240124 High power UE (power class 2) for a single FR1 NR FDD band in UL of NR inter-band CA/DC combinations with y bands downlink (y=1,2,3,4,5,6) and x bands uplink (x=1)
- RP-240424 Simultaneous Rx/Tx band combinations for NR CA/DC, NR SUL and LTE/NR DC
- RP-240309 Basket WI 3Tx NR inter-band UL Carrier Aggregation (CA) and EN-DC
Rel-18 LTE
- RP-240413 LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation for x bands (2<=x<= 6) DL with y bands (y=1, 2) UL
Rel-18 Exceptions SA (see https://www.3gpp.org/FTP/tsg_sa/TSG_SA/TSGS_103_Maastricht_2024-03/Docs)
- SP-240053 SR_MSE (SA WG4)
- SP-240054 ATIAS (SA WG4)
- SP-240055 IVAS_Codec (SA WG4)
- SP-240056 ISAR (SA WG4)
- SP-240057 IBACS (SA WG4)
- SP-240058 iRTCW (SA WG4)
- SP-240059 5GMS_Pro_Ph2 (SA WG4)
Rel-18 NR: NTN enhancements (Granted exception: RP-240142; Via Satellite Award: RP-240844)
Apart from the RAN4 basket work items, the only Rel-18 core work not yet finished is NTN (controversial topic is NTN UE RF requirements). 3GPP NTN also won the prestigious Via Satellite Award as Technology of the Year 2023.
Rel-18: 2Rx for XR (Endorsed WF: RP-240847)
For this highly controversial topic, RAN approved the set of endorsed RAN2 CRs corresponding to 2 Rx XR UEs by "default are allowed to access" cell if "cellBarred2RxXR IE = Barred" is not broadcast in SIB1.
Rel-19 Planning (Stage 1 normative work completed with 1 exception; RAN4 work package approved)
RAN Workshop: took place in June 2023
SA Workshop: took place in June 2023
Stage 1: frozen December 2023 with all exceptions completed March 2024; 1 new exception for Interconnect of Standalone Non-Public Network (ISN)
SA Stage 2 work package: approved December 2023
RAN1/2/3 work package: approved December 2023
RAN4 work package: approved March 2024
Stage 2: freezing target December 2024
RAN1: freezing target June 2025
RAN2/3/4 core functionality: freezing target September 2025
Stage 3: freezing target September 2025
ASN.1 and open APIs: freezing target December 2025
RAN4: freezing target December 2025
Rel-19 RAN4 work package definition (Endorsed summary not covering all RAN4 topics): RP-240019)
The following list of RAN4 topics will be part of Rel-19. For individual WIs and SIs, see further down in this executive summary.
|
WID/SID |
Project |
|
SI: IMT parameters for 4400 to 4800 MHz, 7125 to 8400 MHz and 14800 to 15350 MHz |
|
|
WI: UE RF enhancements for NR FR1/FR2 and EN-DC, Phase 4 |
|
|
WI: NR channel BW less than 5MHz for FR1 Phase 2 |
|
|
WI: Support of intra-band non-collocated EN-DC/NR-CA deployment Phase2: new receiver type(s) |
|
|
WI: NR base station (BS) RF requirement evolution for FR1/FR2 and testing |
|
|
WI: TRP, TRS and MIMO OTA (Over the Air) testing enhancement Phase 3 |
|
|
SI: Study on NR FR2 OTA (Over the Air) testing enhancement Phase 3 |
|
|
WI: NR Radio Resource Management (RRM) Phase 5 |
|
|
WI: NR demodulation performance: Phase 5 |
|
|
WI: Enhanced requirements and test methodology for NR and IoT NTN |
|
|
WI: Enhancements for Air-to-ground network for NR |
|
|
WI: NR Sidelink: Intra-band Carrier Aggregation in ITS band |
Rel-19: RAN addition to work package: New RAN2 WI on Inter RAT mobility enhancements from E-UTRAN to NR-NTN (Endorsed WF: RP-240813); Approved new WI: RP-240846)
Apart from RAN4 WIs, the only other WI approved in this RAN meeting was a RAN2 WI. The WI aims at specifying support for the following objectives: Idle mode mobility based on cell reselection from E-UTRA TN to NR NTN, where E-UTRA TN provides satellite information for NR NTN neighbour cells in a System Information Block (SIBX). The solutions shall be reusing the existing signalling introduced for IoT NTN and mobility procedures between NR TN and NR NTN to the maximum extent.
Rel-19: SA additions to work package
SA approved the following additions to its work Rel-19 package
https://www.3gpp.org/FTP/tsg_sa/TSG_SA/TSGS_103_Maastricht_2024-03/Docs
|
TDoc |
Title |
Source |
|
SP-240494 |
SI: Study on Energy Efficiency as Service Criteria Ph2 |
SA WG1 |
|
SP-240495 |
SI: Study on Satellite access - Phase 4 (FS_5GSAT_Ph4) |
SA WG1 |
|
SP-240194 |
WI: Interconnect of Standalone Non-Public Network (ISN) |
SA WG1 |
|
SP-240199 |
SI: Study on FRMCS Phase 6 |
SA WG1 |
|
SP-240118 |
WI: Minimize the Number of Policy Associations |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240119 |
WI: Architecture support of roaming value-added services |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240121 |
WI: Enhancing Parameter Provisioning with static UE IP address and UP security policy |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240122 |
WI: ProSe support in NPN |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240123 |
WI: Multiple Location Procedure for Emergency LCS Routing |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240125 |
WI: Deferred 5GC-MT-LR Procedure for Periodic Location Events based NRPPa Periodic Measurement Reports |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240127 |
WI: Subscription control for reference time distribution in EPS |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240128 |
WI: Providing per-subscriber VLAN instructions from UDM and DN-AAA |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240486 |
WI: Spending Limits for UE Policies in Roaming scenario |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240487 |
WI: On-demand broadcast of GNSS assistance data |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240488 |
WI: Indirect Network Sharing |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240489 |
WI: QoS monitoring enhancement |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240490 |
WI: NF discovery and selection by target PLMN |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240491 |
WI: Roaming traffic offloading via session breakout in HPLMN |
SA WG2 |
|
SP-240246 |
WI: AKMA service disabling in roaming |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240504 |
SI: Study on UAS security enhancements |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240505 |
SI: Study on security aspects of 5G NR Femto |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240506 |
SI: Study on Security Aspect of Ambient IoT Services in 5G |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240507 |
SI: Study on security aspects of User Identities and Authentication |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240508 |
SI: Study on security aspects of 5G Mobile Metaverse services |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240509 |
SI: Study on security aspects of Core Network Enhanced Support for AIML |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240510 |
SI: Study on Security Aspects of Enhancement of Support for Edge Computing in 5GC Ph.3 |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240511 |
SI: Study on security aspects for Multi-Access (DualSteer + ATSSS Ph-4) |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240512 |
SI: Study on 5GS enhancements for Energy Saving |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240513 |
SI: Study on Security Aspects of Enhancement for Proximity Based Services in 5GS Phase 3 |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240515 |
WI: Security Assurance Specification for maintenance of 5G features |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240516 |
WI: Security aspects for MSGin5G Service Phase 3 |
SA WG3 |
|
SP-240477 |
SI: Media Messaging Phase 2 (FS_MeMe2) |
SA WG4 |
|
SP-240479 |
SI: Beyond 2D Video (FS_Beyond2D) |
SA WG4 |
|
SP-240480 |
SI: Audio Codec APIs (FS_ACAPI) |
SA WG4 |
|
SP-240481 |
SI: Media enerGy consumption exposuRE and EvaluatioN framework in 5G services (FS_MediaGREEN) |
SA WG4 |
|
SP-240482 |
SI: 5G Real-time Transport Protocol Configurations, Phase 2 (FS_5G_RTP_Ph2) |
SA WG4 |
|
SP-240492 |
WI: Split Rendering over IMS (SR_IMS) |
SA WG4 |
|
SP-240514 |
SI: Study on Advanced Media Delivery (FS_AMD) |
SA WG4 |
|
SP-240060 |
WI: Video Operating Points - Harmonization and Stereo MV-HEVC (VOPS) |
SA WG4 |
|
SP-240475 |
WI: Network Slice Replacement charging |
SA WG5 |
Rel-19 Exceptions SA
- SP-240195 Interconnect of SNPN (ISN) (SA WG1)
Rel-19 Discussion on SA2 topics (LSout on NTZ: RP-240810); LSout on per UE energy consumption: RP-240825)
RAN answered two LSs from SA2, both controversial in RAN. On No-Transit Zones, RAN responded in essence that this is out of scope of RAN's past Rel-18 work and current Rel-19 work but might be addressed in a future WI to be discussed in September 2024. On per UE energy consumption, there is no consensus and RAN2/3 experts reported that such information at gNB level is extremely difficult to obtain as the RAN2 protocols are not aware of energy consumption per QoS flows or PDU sessions and RAN does not expect to proceed on this aspect in Rel-19.
Rel-19: Fragmented carriers (Endorsed WF: RP-240768)
At the strong request of more than 10 operators, it was decided to study the use of fewer Rx chains than carrier fragments in a band from Q3.
Rel-19: Spatial Channel Modelling (Endorsed WF: RP-240792)
At the strong request of more than 20 operators, it was decided to study practical spatial channel modelling methodology for both SU- and MU-MIMO demodulation requirements and CSI reporting requirements from Q3.
Rel-19: Sub-band Full Duplex (SBFD) (Endorsed summary: RP-240783; Approved revised WID: RP-240789)
Regarding a mechanism for adjacent channel CLI, the word "co-channel" was removed from the WI objective on CLI handling. RAN3 will not specify enhancements to network signalling to support inter-operator coordination for CLI handling.
Approved Rel-19 Work Items and Study Items (excluding spectrum-related and conformance testing)
NR WIs/SIs led by RAN1
<None>
NR WIs/SIs led by RAN2
<None>
NR WIs/SIs led by RAN3
<None>
NR WIs/SIs led by RAN4
- RP-240787 SI: Study on IMT parameters for 4400 to 4800 MHz, 7125 to 8400 MHz and 14800 to 15350 MHz.
Keywords: Study IMT parameters relevant for sharing and compatibility for (1) 7125 to 8400 MHz frequency range; (2) 14800 to 15350 MHz frequency. Reuse IMT parameters relevant for sharing and compatibility for 4400 to 4800 MHz from the already available RAN4 evaluations. Perform additional work relevant for the ITU-R request. - RP-240828 WI: UE RF enhancements for NR FR1/FR2 and EN-DC, Phase 4
Keywords: (1) High power UE (HPUE) for CA in terrestrial network (TN); (2) Power boosting and/or MPR reduction; (3) 6Rx for handheld and FWA UE. - RP-240832 WI: NR channel BW less than 5MHz for FR1 Phase 2
Keywords: (1) Common co-located and non-co-located inter-band NR CA/DC UE RF requirements with 3MHz CBW in the one band and 5MHz or 10MHz CBW in the other band; (2) RRM requirements for inter-band CA and DC for combinations introduced in RF part. - RP-240838 WI: Support of intra-band non-collocated EN-DC/NR-CA deployment Phase2: new receiver type(s)
Keywords: (1) Specify core requirements for type 4a/4b capable FWA UE that supports non-co-located scenarios for FR1 inter-band non-contiguous EN-DC with overlapping or partially overlapping bands and/or FR1 intra-band non-contiguous NR-CA for up to 4-layer DL MIMO per CC, where MRTD>CP is assumed; (2) Discuss/specify UE behaviour when the UE supports type 4a/b but operates in co-located scenarios depending on whether network signalling is provided. R18 handling of UE behaviour can be used as a reference. - RP-240829 WI: NR base station (BS) RF requirement evolution for FR1/FR2 and testing
Keywords: (1) Expected EIRP mask for upper 6GHz; (2) OTA test enhancement - RP-240841 WI: TRP (Total Radiated Power), TRS (Total Radiated Sensitivity) and MIMO OTA (Over the Air) testing enhancement Phase 3
Keywords: (1) Define test methodology for FR1 non-RedCap headworn XR devices; (2) Study and define test methodology and radiated performance metric for FR1 NTN devices (including NR NTN and IoT NTN); (3) Study and develop FR1 dynamic MIMO OTA test methodology. - RP-240856 SI: Study on NR FR2 OTA (Over the Air) testing enhancement Phase 3
Keywords: Study and define RF testing methodology for FR2 non-handheld UE that can transmit simultaneously with multi-panel. - RP-240830 WI: NR Radio Resource Management (RRM) Phase 5
Keywords: (1) FR2-1 SSB based L3 measurement delay reduction for connected mode; (2) Fast SCell activation for UE supporting Rel-18 EMR. - RP-240831 WI: NR demodulation performance: Phase 5
Keywords: (1) UE performance requirements for 8Rx CPE/FWA/vehicle/industrial devices; (2) FR1 PUSCH performance requirements with inter-cell interference in homogeneous and heterogeneous deployment. - RP-240857 WI: Enhanced requirements and test methodology for NR and IoT NTN
Keywords: (1) High power UE (HPUE) for NTN; (2) Less than 5MHz for NTN - RP-240839 WI: Enhancements for Air-to-ground network for NR
Keywords: (1) RF and RRM core requirements for intra-band co-located and inter-band co-located DL CA; (2) RF requirements for support of UL MIMO with 2TX for single CC for UE; (3) Signalling and UE capabilities if necessary - RP-240840 WI: NR Sidelink: Intra-band Carrier Aggregation in ITS band
Keywords: RF requirements for NR sidelink CA in n47: (1) Intra-band non-contiguous CA with power class 2 and power class 3, with Component Carrier (CC) combinations 10MHz + 10MHz and 10MHz + 20MHz; (2) Intra-band contiguous CA with power class 2
LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN1
<None>
LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN2
- RP-240846 WI: Inter RAT mode mobility support from E-UTRAN TN to NR-NTN
Keywords: (1) Specify IDLE mode mobility from E-UTRA TN to NR NTN (GSO and NGSO (LEO and MEO); Earth fixed tracking area; Quasi-Earth fixed & Earth moving cells for NGSO; UEs with GNSS capability; FDD mode for NR-NTN; NTN-FR1 band is priority; Implicit compatibility to support HAPS and ATG scenarios);
(2) Specify support for idle mode mobility based on cell reselection from E-UTRA TN to NR NTN, where E-UTRA TN provides satellite information for NR NTN neighbour cells in a System Information Block.
LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN3
<None>
LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN4
<None>
The following decisions from the December plenaries were reconfirmed:
6G and IMT-2030 Planning (Endorsed timeline: RP-233985)
- First TSG-wide 6G workshop is expected to be in March 2025.
- SA1 plans a 3GPP Stage 1 workshop on IMT-2030 use cases in May 2024. (8-10 May, Rotterdam, the Netherlands)
- Studies for 6G in 3GPP are expected to start from Release 20
- Requirements studies: SA1 SID approval expected in September 2024; RAN plenary SID see below
- Technology studies: SA2 SID approval expected in June 2025. Other SA WG SIDs tbd
RAN WG SIDs approval expected in June 2025, CT WG SIDs tbd
- MT-2030 submission and normative work for 6G in 3GPP are expected to start from Release 21
- Requirements studies: SA1 SID approval expected in September 2024; RAN plenary SID see below
- Release 21 to produce 1st set of 3GPP 6G technical specifications, will be release for IMT-2030 submission before 2030
- Release 21 is expected to be delivered with a single drop (i.e., a single code freeze)
In addition:
6G and IMT-2030 Planning (Endorsed timeline: RP-240823; RAN perspective: RP-240790)
- First TSG-wide 6G workshop will be Monday-Tuesday of TSGs#107 in March 2025, followed by regular plenaries.
- RAN plenary study for 6G will be split into ITU-focused SI and general RAN SI.
- IMT-2030 discussion is expected in RAN from 09/24 to 12/24 (may involve ITU-R Ad Hoc and LS exchanges)
- RAN plenary SI Rel-20 focusing on ITU– IMT-2030 to be approved 12/24 and continue until 06/25
- RAN plenary SI Rel-20 focusing on 6G General to be approved 03/25 (after WS) and continue until 06/26
- Rel-20 5G Advanced 18 month assuming no delay of Rel-19
- Stage-1 freeze : June 2025
- Stage-2 freeze : June 2026 (>=80%); September 2026 (100%)
- Stage-3 freeze : March 2027
- Rel-20 6G SI
- SA1 6G SI completion: March 2026
- SA2 6G SI completion: December 2026 or March 2027
- RAN WGs: 21 months (RAN1 starts in 3Q/25 until 1Q/27; RAN2/3/4 start in 4Q/25 until 2Q/27)
- CT WGs: at least 9 months (SI will start 9 months after approval of SA2 SI)
- Rel-21
- Rel-21 timeline is to be decided no later than June 2026; ASN.1/OpenAPI freeze date is no earlier than March 2029
- Rel-18
Summary Report from 3GPP plenaries (mainly RAN) #102 (Edinburgh, UK, 11 - 15 December 2023)
Hans van der Veen, NEC Laboratories Europe GmbH
The RAN#102 plenary covered a record 1380 documents, roughly half of which related to Rel-19.
Since there was 100% time overlap between RAN and SA, this report covers mostly the status in RAN only.
Rel-18
- For Rel-18, most RAN1/2/3 core WIs and SIs were finished and closed and exceptions approved for the rest and for RAN4.
Rel-18 was functionally frozen.
Rel-19
- For Rel-19, a work package for RAN1/2/3 was approved.
Rel-18 Planning and progress (RAN2/3/4 core functionality frozen)
Stage 1: frozen December 2021 without exceptions
RAN1/2/3 work package: approved December 2021
RAN4 work package: approved March 2022
Stage 2: frozen June 2023 without exceptions
SA3: frozen September 2023
RAN1: frozen September 2023
RAN2/3/4 core functionality: frozen December 2023 with exceptions (NR Positioning, NR mobility, NR NTN, RAN4 core work)
Stage 3: freezing target March 2024
ASN.1 and open APIs: freezing target June 2024 (review date March 2024)
RAN4: freezing target June 2024
Closed Rel-18 Work Items and Study Items (excluding spectrum-related and conformance testing)
Rel-18 NR
- SI: Study on self-evaluation towards the IMT-2020 submission of the 3GPP Satellite Radio Interface Technology
- SI: Study on evolution of NR duplex operation
- SI: Study on AI/ML for NR air interface
- SI: Study on low-power wake-up signal and receiver for NR
- SI: Study on NR frequency range 2 (FR2) Over-the-Air (OTA) testing enhancements
- SI: Study on simplification of band combination specification for NR and LTE
- Core: Enhancement of NR Dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS)
- Core: Multi-carrier enhancements for NR
- Core: Further NR coverage enhancements
- Core: NR MIMO evolution for downlink and uplink
- Core: NR sidelink evolution
- Core: NR network-controlled repeaters
- Core: Enhanced support of reduced capability NR devices
- Core: Network energy savings for NR
- Core: Mobile Terminated-Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) for NR
- Core: Dual Transmission Reception (TxRx) Multi-SIM for NR
- Core: NR sidelink relay enhancements
- Core: In-Device Co-existence (IDC) enhancements for NR and MR-DC
- Core: NR Support for UAV (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles)
- Core: Enhancements of NR Multicast and Broadcast Services
- Core: XR (eXtended Reality) enhancements for NR
- Core: Further enhancement of data collection for SONMDT in NR standalone and MR-DC
- Core: Enhancement on NR QoE management and optimizations for diverse services
- Core: Mobile IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) for NR
- Core: Artificial Intelligence (AI)Machine Learning (ML) for NG-RAN
- Core: NR Timing Resiliency and URLLC enhancements
- Core: Network Slicing Phase 3 NR aspects
- Core: Non-Public Networks Phase 2: NG-RAN aspects
- Core: NR support for dedicated spectrum less than 5MHz for FR1
- Core: Further RF requirements enhancement for NR and EN-DC in frequency range 1 (FR1)
- Core: NR RF requirements enhancement for frequency range 2 (FR2), Phase 3
- Core: Requirement for NR frequency range 2 (FR2) multi-Rx chain DL reception
- Core: Even Further RRM enhancement for NR and MR-DC
- Core: Further enhancements on NR and MR-DC measurement gaps and measurements without gaps
- Core: BS/UE EMC enhancements for NR and LTE
- Perf.: BS/UE EMC enhancements for NR and LTE
- Core: Air-to-ground network for NR
- Core: Support of intra-band non-collocated EN-DC NR-CA deployment
- Core: NR demodulation performance evolution
- Core: Enhancement of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) Over-the-Air (OTA) requirement for NR UEs
- Core: Enhancement of UE TRP and TRS requirements and test methodologies for FR1 (NR SA and EN-DC)
- Core: Complete the specification support for BandWidth Part operation without restriction in NR
- Core: NR channel raster enhancement
Rel-18 LTE
- Core: IoT (Internet of Things) NTN (non-terrestrial network) enhancements
- Core: Enhanced LTE Support for UAV (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles)
- Core: Additional LTE bands for UE categories M1/M2/NB1/NB2
- Perf.: Additional LTE bands for UE categories M1/M2/NB1/NB2
- Core: Introduction of FDD LTE band (L+S band) for IoT NTN operation
Rel-18 RAN Work Item Summaries (descriptions of features in the release after the work has actually finished)
- RP-233808 Enhancement of NR Dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS)
- RP-233547 Multi-carrier enhancements for NR
- RP-233559 Further NR coverage enhancements
- RP-232914 NR MIMO evolution for downlink and uplink
- RP-233982 NR Sidelink Evolution
- RP-232884 NR network-controlled repeaters
- RP-233638 Enhanced support of reduced capability NR devices
- RP-233657 Network energy savings for NR
- RP-232943 Mobile Terminated-Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) for NR
- RP-233072 Dual Transmission Reception (TxRx) Multi-SIM for NR
- RP-232973 NR Sidelink Relay Enhancements
- RP-233486 In-Device Co-existence (IDC) enhancements for NR and MR-DC
- RP-233387 NR Support for UAV (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles)
- RP-232994 Enhancements of NR Multicast and Broadcast Services
- RP-232988 XR Enhancements
- RP-233439 Further enhancement of data collection for SON/MDT in NR standalone and MR-DC
- RP-233604 Enhancement on NR QoE management and optimizations for diverse services
- RP-233321 Mobile IAB for NR
- RP-233442 Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) for NG-RAN
- RP-232865 NR Timing Resiliency and URLLC enhancements
- RP-233947 Network Slicing Phase 3: NR aspects
- RP-233568 Non-Public Networks Phase 2 NG-RAN aspects
- RP-234062 NR support for dedicated spectrum less than 5MHz for FR1
- RP-233188 Further RF requirements enhancement for NR and EN-DC in frequency range 1 (FR1)
- RP-232792 NR RF requirements enhancement for frequency range 2 (FR2), Phase 3
- RP-233926 Requirement for NR frequency range 2 (FR2) multi-Rx chain DL reception
- RP-233495 Even Further RRM enhancement for NR and MR-DC
- RP-233257 Further enhancements on NR and MR-DC measurement gaps and measurements without gaps
- RP-233684 BS/UE EMC Enhancements for NR and LTE
- RP-233444 Air-to-ground
- RP-233585 NR demodulation performance evolution
- RP-233743 Enhancement of MIMO OTA test methodology and requirements for NR UEs
- RP-233074 Enhancement of UE TRP and TRS requirements and test methodologies for FR1 (NR SA and EN-DC)
- RP-234000 Complete the specification support for BandWidth Part operation without restriction in NR
- RP-234071 NR channel raster enhancement
- RP-233308 Introduction of the satellite L-/S-band
- RP-233798 Adding new NR FDD bands for RedCap (Reduced Capability)
- RP-233713 Addition of FDD bands using the uplink from n28 and the downlink of n75 and n76
- RP-232939 4Rx handheld UE for low NR bands (<1GHz) and/or 3Tx for NR inter-band UL CA and EN-DC
- RP-233859 Enhancements of NR shared spectrum bands
- RP-233261 IoT (Internet of Things) NTN (non-terrestrial network) enhancements
- RP-233390 Enhanced LTE Support for UAV (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles)
Rel-18 Exceptions (RAN1/2/3 Core part)
Rel-18 NR
- RP-233383 Expanded and Improved NR Positioning
- RP-233969 Further NR mobility enhancements
- RP-233958 NR NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) enhancements
Rel-18 Exceptions (RAN4 Core part)
Rel-18 NR
- RP-233199 Additional NR bands for UL-MIMO
- RP-233243 Dual Connectivity (DC) of 1 band LTE (1DL/1UL) and 1 NR band (1DL/1UL)
- RP-233193 Dual Connectivity (DC) of 2 bands LTE inter-band CA (2DL/1UL) and 1 NR band (1DL/1UL)
- RP-233649 Dual Connectivity (DC) of x bands (x=3,4,5) LTE inter-band CA (xDL/1UL) and 1 NR band (1DL/1UL)
- RP-233490 Dual Connectivity (DC) of x bands (x=1,2,3,4) LTE inter-band CA (xDL/1UL) and 2 bands NR inter-band CA (2DL/1UL)
- RP-232924 Dual Connectivity (DC) of x bands (x=1,2,3) LTE inter-band CA (xDL/1UL) and y bands (3<=y<=5 and x+y <= 6) NR inter-band CA (yDL/1UL)
- RP-233145 Dual Connectivity (DC) of x LTE bands and y NR bands with z bands DL and 3 bands UL (x=1, 2, 3, 4; y=1, 2; 3<=z<=6))
- RP-233223 NR intra band Carrier Aggregation for xCC DL/yCC UL including contiguous and non-contiguous spectrum (x>=y)
- RP-232921 NR Inter-band Carrier Aggregation/Dual Connectivity for 2 bands DL with x bands UL (x=1,2)
- RP-233233 NR Inter-band Carrier Aggregation/Dual Connectivity for 3 bands DL with x bands UL (x=1,2)
- RP-233693 NR inter-band Carrier Aggregation/Dual Connectivity for y bands DL (y=4, 5, 6) with x bands UL (x=1, 2)
- RP-233196 Band combinations for SA NR supplementary uplink (SUL), NSA NR SUL, NSA NR SUL with UL sharing from the UE perspective (ULSUP)
- RP-233447 NR Carrier Aggregation (CA) band combinations with two SUL cells
- RP-233179 High-power UE operation for fixed-wireless/vehicle-mounted use cases in LTE bands and NR bands
- RP-233033 High power UE (power class 2) for NR FR1 FDD single band
- RP-233205 High power UE (power class 1.5 or 2) for intra-band Carrier Aggregation combinations of a single NR FR1 TDD band
- RP-233226 High power UE (power class m with 1<m<3) for a single FR1 band in UL of Dual Connectivity (DC) combinations of x bands (x=1,2,3, 4 for y=1 or x=1, 2 for y=2) LTE inter-band CA (xDL/1UL) and y bands NR inter-band CA (yDL/1UL)
- RP-233563 High power UE (power class 1,5 and 2) for a single FR1 NR TDD band in UL of NR inter-band CA/DC combinations with/without NR SUL (supplementary uplink) with y bands downlink (y=2,3,4,5,6) and x bands uplink (x=1,2)
- RP-233036 High power UE (power class 2) for a single FR1 NR FDD band in UL of NR inter-band CA/DC combinations with y bands downlink (y=1,2,3,4,5,6) and x bands uplink (x=1)
- RP-232953 Adding new channel bandwidth(s) support to existing NR bands
- RP-233202 Simultaneous Rx/Tx band combinations for NR CA/DC, NR SUL and LTE/NR DC
- RP-232942 Basket WI 3Tx NR inter-band UL Carrier Aggregation (CA) and EN-DC
- RP-234003 4Rx for NR bands for FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) UEs (<2.6GHz) and handheld UEs (1GHz to 2.6GHz)
Rel-18 LTE
- RP-233857 Introduction of the Extended L-band (UL 1668-1675MHz, DL 1518-1525MHz) for IoT NTN
- RP-232947 High Power UE (Power Class 2) for LTE FDD Band 14
- RP-233190 LTE Carrier Aggregation related basket WIs
Rel-18 NR: 6 GHz for LTE and NR in Licensed and Unlicensed Operations (SR: RP-234074; Approved pCR: RP-233995)
This was the only Rel-18 Study Item that was not finished, to be able to capture the WRC-23 results by next plenary. However, it will become a Rel-19 SI.
Rel-18 NR: IMT-2020 Satellite submission (LSout: RP-233981; TR: RP-233980)
3GPP submitted its proposal for satellite IMT-2020 to ITU-R WP4B.
Rel-18 NR: XR (eXtended Reality) enhancements for NR (Endorsed WF 2Rx XR: RP-234015)
1. RAN2/3 to develop signaling support for '2Rx non-REDCAP XR devices' in draft Rel-18 CRs for RAN#103:
- A new dedicated UE capability indication per band and setting of corresponding existing UE capability(ies). [RAN2]
Note: no need is foreseen to add an indication to Msg1 or Msg3.
- Indication in SIB, to be used to re-direct to another frequency layer, or to bar the device altogether. [RAN2]
- SPID indication from the Core Network to gNB. [RAN3]
- N2-NGAP indication for '2Rx non-REDCAP XR devices' from gNB to Core Network to take action based on operator policy. [RAN3]
2. RAN4 to develop Rel-18 draft CRs for '2Rx non-REDCAP XR devices' for RAN#103:
- Capture definition of 2Rx non-REDCAP XR devices in [38.101-1] using the definition from RAN#101 (c.f. RP-232657)
- Determine the feasibility of tightened 2Rx REFSENS requirements (in relation to existing 2Rx and 4Rx REFSENS) for the bands where 4Rx is mandatory and provide the feasible REFSENS values. RAN4 shall consider both conducted requirements as well as OTA considerations.
3. TSG-RAN#103 in March:
1) Consider approving the draft CRs from RAN2, RAN3 and RAN4 for Rel-18 (as TEI18)
2) Consider approving Rel-19 work to be conducted on detailed OTA work for '2Rx non-REDCAP XR devices'.
3) Points 1) and 2) represent a package, each one is dependent on the other moving forward.
Rel-19 Planning (Stage 1 normative work frozen; SA/CT work package approved; RAN1/2/3 work package approved)
RAN Workshop: took place in June 2023
SA Workshop: took place in June 2023
Stage 1: frozen December 2023 with 2 exceptions (Ambient power-enabled IoT; Timestamp for critical IoT Applications)
SA Stage 2 work package: approved December 2023
RAN1/2/3 work package: approved December 2023
RAN4 work package: planned to be approved March 2024
Stage 2: freezing target December 2024
RAN1: freezing target June 2025
RAN2/3/4 core functionality: freezing target September 2025
Stage 3: freezing target September 2025
ASN.1 and open APIs: freezing target December 2025
RAN4: freezing target December 2025
Rel-19 RAN/SA CT coordination (RAN answers to SA questions: RP-233986)
SA asked RAN questions for its own planning, on Ambient IoT, ISAC, AI/ML, Sidelink time synchronization and ProSe. RAN's response was that Ambient Iot device types are controversial and that there is no consensus on whether RAN has any requirements for SA to support AI/ML for air interface and NG-RAN in RAN.
Rel-19 RAN1/2/3 work package definition (Endorsed summary: RP-232745)
The following list of topics will be part of Rel-19. For individual WIs and SIs, see further down in this executive summary. Possible additional work or scope expansion will not be discussed before September 2024.
RAN R19 Package: RAN1-led Projects
|
WID/SID |
Project |
TU estimate |
|
AI/ML - Air Interface |
~4 TUs |
|
|
NR-MIMO Evolution |
~2.5 TUs in 1st half, ~2TUs in the 2nd half |
|
|
Evolution of duplex operation |
~2 TUs |
|
|
Ambient IoT |
~3.5 TUs (TUs budgeted for the entire release, target 12-month for SI completion, check in Dec'24 for conversion to WI or if necessary, continuation of SI) |
|
|
Network energy savings |
~2 TUs |
|
|
Low power WUS/WUR |
~1.5 TUs |
|
|
ISAC |
SI only, starting from 2Q'24, ~1 TU for 15 months. Focusing on channel model; check in Sept'24 for possibly additional study beyond channel model |
|
|
Exploring study in new spectrum (7-24GHz) |
SI only, starting from 2Q'24, ~1 TU for 15 months for channel model |
RAN R19 Package: RAN2-led Projects
|
WID/SID |
Project |
TU estimate |
|
Mobility Enhancements |
~2 TUs |
|
|
Enhancements for XR |
~2 TUs |
|
|
NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) evolution - NR |
~2 TUs |
|
|
NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) evolution - IoT |
~1 TU |
|
|
AI/ML for Air Interface (Mobility) |
~2 TUs |
RAN R19 Package: RAN3-led Projects
|
WID/SID |
Project |
TU estimate |
|
AI/ML for NG-RAN |
6 months SI, followed by 12-month WI, ~2 TUs |
|
|
SON/MDT Enhancements |
~1.5 TUs |
|
|
Additional topological improvements |
6 months SI, followed by 12-month WI, ~2TUs for SI, and ~1.5TUs for WI |
Rel-19 RAN4 work package (Summary RF/OTA: RP-233918; RRM: RP-233951; Both: RP-233920; Other: RP-233921)
The RAN4 Rel-19 package will be defined in March 2024. At this meeting only summaries of the discussion were shared. No spectrum topics were discussed at this plenary.
Rel-19 SA work package (Endorsed summary: SP-231760)
SA approved the following package of Rel-19 studies:
|
FS_5GSAT_ARCH_Ph3 |
|
FS_NG_RTC_Ph2 |
|
FS_XRM Ph2 |
|
FS_EnergySys |
|
FS_MPS4msg |
|
FS_VMR_Ph2 |
|
FS_5G_ProSe_Ph3 |
|
FS_eUUI5 |
|
FS_eEDGE_5GC_ph3 |
|
FS_UAS_Ph3 |
|
FS_UPEAS_Ph2 |
|
FS_5G_Femto |
|
FS_INSS |
|
FS_MASSS |
|
FS_AmbientIoT |
|
FS_AIML_CN |
Rel-19 and beyond RAN4 Carrier Aggregation framework overhaul (Disc.: RP-233776)
Many companies acknowledged the problems with the existing handling of band combinations and that something needs to be done about it, before the start of 6G work.
Approved Rel-19 Work Items and Study Items (excluding spectrum-related and conformance testing)
NR WIs/SIs led by RAN1
- RP-234039 WI: Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) for NR Air Interface
Keywords: Provide specification support for the following aspects: (1) AI/ML general framework for one-sided AI/ML models within the realm of what has been studied in the FS_NR_AIML_Air project; (2) Beam management - DL Tx beam prediction for both UE-sided model and NW-sided model: (3) Positioning accuracy enhancements (Direct AI/ML positioning, AI/ML assisted positioning); (3) Core requirements for the above two use cases for AI/ML LCM procedures and UE features; (4) Study objectives with corresponding checkpoints in RAN#105 (Sept '24): (a) CSI feedback enhancement; (b) Necessity and details of model Identification concept and procedure in the context of LCM ; (c) CN/OAM/OTT collection of UE-sided model training data; (d) Model transfer/delivery; (e) Testability and interoperability
- RP-234007 WI: NR MIMO Phase 5
Keywords: Specify (1) Specify enhancement to facilitate UE-initiated/event-driven beam management for reducing overhead and/or latency, assuming the unified TCI while leveraging (as much as possible) legacy CSI measurement and reporting configuration frameworks, targeting FR2 and sTRP with intra- and inter-cell beam management; (2) CSI support for up to 128 CSI-RS ports, targeting FR1; (3) UE reporting enhancement for CJT deployments under non-ideal synchronization and backhaul, targeting FR1, both FDD and TDD; (4) Non-coherent UL codebook to facilitate 3-antenna-port codebook-based transmissions, without enhancement on UL full power transmission and without enhancement on SRS resource. Note: UL full power transmission mode 1 and 2 are not supported; (5) Enhancement for asymmetric DL sTRP/UL mTRP deployment scenarios, assuming intra-band intra-DU non-co-located mTRP scenarios, without changing existing cell definition or defining a new cell (e.g. UL-only cell), assuming the Rel-17/18 unified TCI framework and fully reusing the legacy QCL/UL spatial relation rules, targeting FR1 and FR2; (6) Plus RAN2 and RAN4 work.
- RP-234035 WI: Evolution of NR duplex operation: Sub-band full duplex (SBFD)
Keywords: Specify (1) For subband non-overlapping full duplex (SBFD) operation at gNB side within a TDD carrier: (a) Semi-static indication of time location of SBFD subbands to UEs in RRC_CONNECTED mode; (b) Semi-static indication of frequency domain location of SBFD subbands to UEs in RRC_CONNECTED mode; (c) SBFD operation to support random access in SBFD symbols by UEs in RRC CONNECTED mode; (d) If justified, SBFD operation to UE in RRC_IDLE/INACTIVE mode for random access; (e) UE transmission, reception and measurement behavior and procedures in SBFD symbols and/or non-SBFD symbols for SBFD aware UE; (2) Enhancements for CLI handling; (3) BS RF requirements for SBFD operation at gNB; (4) Applicable RRM core requirements for co-channel CLI handling mechanisms
- RP-234058 SI: Study on solutions for Ambient IoT (Internet of Things) in NR
Keywords: Study (1) Harmonized air interface design with minimized differences (where necessary) for Ambient IoT; (2) Deployment scenario 1 with Topology 1 abd Deployment scenario 2 with Topology 2 and UE as intermediate node, under network control; (3) FR1 licensed spectrum in FDD; (4) Spectrum deployment in-band to NR, in guard-band to LTE/NR, in standalone band(s); (5) Traffic types DO-DTT, DT, with focus on rUC1 (indoor inventory) and rUC4 (indoor command).
- RP-234065 WI: Enhancements of Network energy savings for NR
Keywords: (1) Specify procedures and signaling method(s) to support on-demand SSB SCell operation for UEs in connected mode configured with CA, for both intra-/inter-band CA; (2) Study procedures and signaling method(s) to support on-demand SIB1 for UEs in idle/inactive mode; (3) Specify adaptation of common signal/channel transmissions; (4) Specify the corresponding core requirements, for the above features.
- RP-234056 WI: Low-power wake-up signal and receiver for NR (LP-WUS/WUR)
Keywords: Specify (1) An LP-WUS design commonly applicable to both IDLE/INACTIVE and CONNECTED modes; (2) For IDLE/INACTIVE modes: (a) procedure and configuration of LP-WUS indicating paging monitoring triggered by LP-WUS, including at least configuration, sub-grouping and entry/exit condition for LP-WUS monitoring; (b) LP-SS with periodicity with Yms for LP-WUR, for synchronization and/or RRM for serving cell; (c) Further RRM relaxation of UE MR for both serving and neighbor cell measurements, and UE serving cell RRM measurement offloaded from MR to LP-WUR, including the necessary conditions; (3) For CONNECTED mode, procedures to allow UE MR PDCCH monitoring triggered by LP-WUS including activation and deactivation procedure of LP-WUS monitoring.
- RP-234069 SI: Study on channel modelling for Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) for NR
Keywords: Define channel modelling aspects to support object detection and/or tracking (SA1 meaning in TS 22.137). Aim at a common modelling framework capable of detecting and/or tracking objects and to enable them to be distinguished from unintended objects. All six sensing modes should be considered (i.e. TRP-TRP bistatic, TRP monostatic, TRP-UE bistatic, UE-TRP bistatic, UE-UE bistatic, UE monostatic). Frequencies from 0.5 to 52.6 GHz are the primary focus.
- RP-234018 SI: Study on Channel Modelling Enhancements for 7-24 GHz for NR
Keywords: (1) Validate using measurements the channel model of TR38.901 at least for 7-24 GHz; (2) Adapt/extend as necessary the channel model of TR38.901 at least for 7-24 GHz, including at near-field propagation and Spatial non-stationarity
NR WIs/SIs led by RAN2
- RP-234036 WI: NR mobility enhancements Phase 4
Keywords: (1) Specify support for inter-CU Layer 2 Mobility (LTM); (2) Measurements related enhancements for purpose of supporting LTM; (3) (Specify support of conditional LTM; (4) Specify RRM requirements.
- RP-234080 WI: XR (eXtended Reality) for NR Phase 3
Keywords: (1) Study and if justified, specify aspects related to multi-modality (intra-UE) (with coordination with SA2/SA4 as needed by LS request). Aim to facilitate efficient and effective support for XR application with Multiple QoS flows with multi-modal inter-dependencies, meeting multi-modal QoS requirements, e.g. synchronization and/or coordination. Efficiency enhancements are expected to be visible in terms of capacity or power consumption; (2) Specify enhancements to enable transmission/reception in gaps/restrictions that are caused by RRM measurements (from inter-frequency RRM measurement gaps, or intra-frequency measurements, or other scheduling restrictions etc); (3) If justified, specify Enhancements for Scheduling for the UL, using delay/deadline information, for support of UL scheduling to enable high XR capacity while meeting delay requirements/avoiding too late PDUs; (4) Specify the following user plane enhancements: (a) RLC re-transmission related enhancements for operation of RLC Acknowledged Mode (AM) with small packet delay budget; (b) If justified, mechanism for transmitter to inform the receiver of SN gap (or missing SNs) in PDCP; (5) Specify core requirements related to the above objectives as necessary.
- RP-234078 WI: Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for NR Phase 3
Keywords: (1) Study and specify if beneficial downlink coverage enhancements targeting support for additional reference satellite payload parameters covering both GSO and NGSO constellations operating in FR1-NTN or FR2-NTN; (2) Uplink Capacity/Throughput Enhancement for FR1-NTN; (3) Signaling of the intended service area of a broadcast service (e.g. MBS broadcast) via NR; (4) Support of regenerative payload; (5) Support of Rel-17 RedCap and Rel-18 eRedCap UEs with NR NTN operating in FR1-NTN bands.
- RP-234055 SI: Study on Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) for mobility in NR
Keywords: Study mobility enhancement in RRC_CONNECTED mode over air interface by following existing mobility framework, i.e., handover decision is always made in network side. Mobility use cases focus on standalone NR PCell change. UE-side and network-side AI/ML model can be both considered, respectively. Study and evaluate potential benefits and gains of AI/ML aided mobility for network triggered L3-based handover.
NR WIs/SIs led by RAN3
- RP-234054 SI: Study on enhancements for Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) for NG-RAN
Keywords: (1) Study two new AI/ML based use cases, i.e., Network Slicing and CCO, with existing NG-RAN interfaces and architecture (including non-split architecture and split architecture). (2) Rel-18 leftovers as candidates for normative work, based on the Rel-18 principles: (a) Mobility optimization for NR-DC; (b) Split architecture support for Rel-18 use cases; (c) Energy Saving enhancements, e.g., Energy Cost Prediction; (d) Continuous MDT collection targeting the same UE across RRC states; (e) Multi-hop UE trajectory across gNBs.
- RP-234038 WI: Data collection for SON (Self-Organising Networks)/MDT (Minimization of Drive Tests) in NR standalone and MR-DC (Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity) Phase 4
Keywords:. Specify data collection enhancement in NR standalone and MR-DC for SON/MDT purpose: (1) MRO enhancement for R18 mobility mechanisms, including, Lower layer triggered mobility (LTM), CHO with candidate SCGs, subsequent CPAC; (2) Support of SON/MDT enhancements for Intra-NTN mobility and Network Slicing; (3) Support of the leftovers in Rel-18 SON/MDT.
- RP-234041 SI: Study on additional topological enhancements for NR
Keywords: (1) Study the support of Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) including impact of WAB mobility within an existing RAN; (2) Study the support of 5G Femto including (a) How to define the 5G access control mechanism by (re-)using the existing CAG functionality and identify needed enhancements and (b) Clarify the access to local services from the 5G Femto via collocated local UPF.
NR WIs/SIs led by RAN4
- <None>
LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN1
- <None>
LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN2
- RP-234077 WI: Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for Internet of Things (IoT) Phase 3
Keywords: Support of (1) Store&Forward (S&F) satellite operation with full eNB as regenerative payload;(2) Support of Capacity enhancements for uplink.
LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN3
- <None>
LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN4
- <None>
6G and IMT-2030 Planning (Endorsed timeline: RP-233985)
- First TSG-wide 6G workshop is expected to be in March 2025.
- SA1 plans a 3GPP Stage 1 workshop on IMT-2030 use cases in May 2024.
- Studies for 6G in 3GPP are expected to start from Release 20
- Requirements studies: SA1 SID approval expected in September 2024; RAN plenary SID tbd (decision in RAN#103)
- Technology studies: SA2 SID approval expected in June 2025. Other SA WG SIDs tbd
RAN WG SIDs approval expected in June 2025, CT WG SIDs tbd
- IMT-2030 submission and normative work for 6G in 3GPP are expected to start from Release 21
- Requirements studies: SA1 SID approval expected in September 2024; RAN plenary SID tbd (decision in RAN#103)
- Release 21 to produce 1st set of 3GPP 6G technical specifications, will be release for IMT-2030 submission before 2030
- Release 21 is expected to be delivered with a single drop (i.e., a single code freeze)
- Remaining detailed 6G timeline decisions targeted for March 2024 plenaries.
- Rel-18
- Rel-19